Healthcare Littles/Caregivers

[Kitten&Spice]

I thought this may be a topic of interest for some people! I am a little who works as an aide for people with disabilities! I love my job and couldn’t see myself doing anything else! I have found that some attributes I have as a little can be expressed through what I do in my line of work! I get to color with individuals and read bedtime stories! A lot of the residents enjoy cartoons so I can to enjoy cartoons! And I get to bake and do games! Although there are days where it is mentally taxing it feels nice to feel like I can be a kid from time to time in the field! Recently we did fireworks and went to see the little mermaid on an outdoor screening!!

On another note I am also someone who values myself through what I can do for others. I love helping others and when I can build a healthy relationship with them. The downside is that there is days where I become tired of being strict and trying to keep balance. It can be exhausting seeing others hurt and not being able to help. Or seeing them sick and only being allowed to do so much. In a way it has made me appreciate the other role in a sense. Being a caregiver is taxing and can wear on anyone. 

I was curious to all those in the healthcare fields have you found that you have been able to use your field as a way to learn more about yourself and the role you choose? For the caregivers who work in healthcare field do you find yourself more strained from being a constant caregiver? Is there ways that you find balance? 

[Andriel_Isilien]

I'm a little and do this while I work at my healthcare job. I do the "caregiving" aspect that is in my job description and training. Then the companionship/socializing is where my little side can indulge a bit; like I'm being their adopted grandchild. It depends on each person and what they gravitate towards. I will wear fun mismatched socks, maybe cute hairclips, have photos of my animal friends (or get them to talk about their beloved pets), play games with them or do puzzles together, watch a classic Disney movie, sit outside and look at cloud shapes, blow some bubbles to let the wind take them, make a craft activity with them.... to name but a few ☺️ It's a special touch I have in this job that seniors appreciate because they don't get to see family as much. Many suffer from loneliness and have low motivation to do hobbies. My carefree spirit really helps here. I naturally want to help people. I do my best to listen to them and try to read what they need. It's very rewarding because I didn't get to spend much time to get to know my own grandparents before they passed on. The work is mutual as these seniors and I sort of adopt each other. 🥰

[lillizzie24]

Before becoming disabled I worked healthcare. For 6 yrs I worked with disabled adults in a day program. This by far was my favorite job. I loved being able to take them out to do things and doing activities at program like arts\crafts to baking.  I got to know 1 residents family quite well when I transported him for almost2 yrs b4 they changed van schedules. I was the only 1 that was patient driving him, he could be a handful and it was a 2 hr run. I learnedto keep the music low key pop,rock wound him up and if he got into my personal bubble ask where do your hands belong. In my lap and down his hands went. I sometimes wonder how the family is doing they were older but took such good care. This job really showed me that healthcare was my passion. I loved knowing I made a difference. 

After I moved and had to quit I was a home health aid to the elderly. I loved sitting and gettingto know them. Some felt like family to me. I did private for a lady for 3 yrs my boys loved visiting her. She had no family and since I lived here door I become a 24 hr aide for awhile even spending the night. Even when i worked for a company there was a few clients that became like family.